Be still our hearts!

When we first came across this remarkable luckenbooth ring, we were positively enamored. A Victorian-era piece, this luckenbooth ring is constructed in a lovely 15 carat yellow gold that glimmers with a vibrant hue. The gold is constructed into two intertwined hearts, which flare slightly out at the bottom, in opposite directions of each other. It creates a whimsical silhouette that feels at once amorous but playful.

But the stars of the show are the beautifully dainty turquoise and seed pearl stones encrusted along the hearts. On one heart, vibrant turquoise sparkles ; on the other, sweet pearls gently glow. There is overlap where the hearts entwine, allowing a small array of each stone to cross into the other – a truly romantic and remarkable construction!

Also remarkable is the symbolism of this ring. The Scottish luckenbooth heart can be traced back to the 15th century. It was a traditional love token for the Scots, often given as a brooch for either a wedding or betrothal. But the luckenbooth also went by another name: the witch’s heart.

For children, luckenbooth – or witch hearts – were given as protection from the evil eye. But for lovers, these hearts were often given as deep professions of love. With an almost cheeky wink, a lover would bestow a luckenbooth to their beloved paramour as if to say “you’ve bewitched me with your heart!” Talk about romantic!

Entwined hearts are a common symbol in jewelry, but what sets apart luckenbooth hearts from others comes in the detailing. Luckenbooth hearts often flare out slightly at the bottom, creating a whimsical, but sloped heart. They were often also depicted with crowns, similar to Claddagh hearts, lending to the Scottish lineage from which they originated from.

Though these hearts don’t possess the iconic crown motif, as Archaeological Revivalist pieces, they bear the 15th century Scottish design sensibilities that make it clear they are luckenbooth witch hearts.

A dazzling and bewitching addition to any antique jewelry collection!

Materials and Features: Gold, Turquoise, Seed Pearl

Age/Origin: 19th century

Marks: None

Measurements: Size: 8.75, 2.8 g,

Condition: Excellent.

Please view and inspect any photos closely. We endeavor to fully disclose all condition information clearly and concisely, however, please note that what qualifies as excellent condition for historical jewelry differs from modern and contemporary pieces; please take the age of the piece into account when examining the piece. Minor age wear is typical and to be expected for antique and vintage jewelry. Unless otherwise stated, gemstones have not been officially graded for color, clarity, or treatment by GIA; any information provided is our own educated, professional assessment.